speedometer works sometimes and then goes out

135,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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LARRY KORECKO
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  • 1 POST
Lately the speedometer will not work, but suddenly it starts working and may work for a few minutes, but then abruptly goes down to zero. Car works fine otherwise, and of course when speedometer isn't working the odometer doesn't work.
Dec 3, 2009 at 3:33 AM
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MIKE H R
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  • 3,094 POSTS
from 1992 up the car has a vss. vehicle sensor it is located on the right end of the transmaission. check the wires. there should be 3 of them to make sure they are clean and making a good connection. if that fails them the vss may be bad itself.
Apr 7, 2021 at 6:02 AM
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CAMERON HOLM
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  • 1 POST
Hey KHLOW 2008,

In regards to testing voltage and hand turning the VSS and everything checking out as you say, what could it be that is causing the problem ??
My example is I notice after I first start my car for the day and go for a drive, depending on acceleration speed determines how fast the problem will arise. Like if I am on the throttle a little heavier then just cruising around then it usually kicks right off. Or when I get to the on ramp for the freeway and am accelerating to catch up with the cars I’m about to merge next to. Sometimes the speedo will shut off and check engine light comes on a minute or two later and then if I just keep driving eventually the speedometer will turn back on and be working again. As of lately it doesn’t do it as much. What am I missing here ? Thank you
Apr 7, 2021 at 6:02 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Thanks for that info. That is a great addition to the site. This last post on this thread was from over a year ago so I am not sure it will help them but I am sure that will help others that visit the site.

Here is a lot of this testing from the manual that will also help. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you as well.
Apr 7, 2021 at 6:02 AM
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